Elton John Steps Into Christmas 2018 In The John Lewis Advert

Trampolining animals, snowmen in love, a lonely man on the moon, and a sleepy bear and his punctual hare friend have all been the subjects of John Lewis's famously tear-jerking festive campaigns in recent years. So, who could be the star of this year's offering? Unveiled today, the high-street stalwart sees Elton John step into Christmas 2018, in an advert titled The Boy & The Piano.

Moving between scenes from the musician's life (portrayed by John himself and actors playing him at different ages), all based on true events, it is soundtracked by his classic hit "Your Song" and tells the story of "how one gift in particular inspired and influenced the course of a little boy’s life." The boy in question is, of course, a young John, and the gift is a piano from his mother and grandmother. The tag line at the end reads, "Some gifts are more than just a gift".

"The John Lewis Christmas campaign has so many warm memories for me and my family," says John of starring in the campaign. "It's been a lovely opportunity for me to reflect on my life in music and the incredible journey I have been on, and how first playing my grandmother's piano marks the moment when music came into my life. The ad is absolutely fantastic and I've truly loved every minute of being a part of it.”

The brand's Christmas campaign has come to coincide in recent years with complementary in-store experiences and merchandise. This year, it is more experiential than ever, with John Lewis's flagship Oxford Street store inviting customers into the scenes from the advert - from the dressing room, where you can try on costumes and use props from the set, to the recording studio and living room, where you can play the piano. There will also be a light show, accompanied by John’s “Step Into Christmas”, projected daily from the shop’s Oxford Street windows. 14 other stores across the UK will have pianos for shoppers to enjoy a musical interlude too, and vintage-style Elton John T-shirts will be available to buy in store and online.

“Think back to all of the Christmases that you have enjoyed over the years - I’m sure there is one very special gift that stands out above all others," Craig Inglis, Partner and Customer Director, John Lewis & Partners says. "That’s the magical feeling we wanted to bring to life this year."